Vehicle import form the USA to the UK is quite a big business especially when it comes to specific and very special vehicles that are sourced by international buyer for a specific market and to ship a car internationally the buyer or the seller must be able to choose a Shipping method that will suit the age and the type of vehicle for the best life of the vehicle itself.

The Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping is the most common and cost-effective method to ship a car as the vehicle is driven onto the ship at the departure port and driven off at the destination port. However, one condition to ship a car on a RORO vessel is that the vehicle needs to be in running condition and must not contain personal items.

The Container Shipping is another way to ship a car .The vehicle is loaded into a container and shipped. This is a safer, more secure option to ship  a car form but tends to be more expensive than RoRo shipping. You can ship personal items along with the vehicle in a container (depending on the shipping company).

Before ship a car the vehicle must be properly prepared:

• Clean the vehicle: This is often required by customs in both countries to avoid soil and debris, which could be a biosecurity risk.
• Remove personal items: Most shipping companies do not allow personal items to be left in the vehicle during RoRo shipping. For container shipping, check with the shipping company about their policies.
• Ensure the car is operational: For RoRo, the vehicle must be in working order to be driven onto the ship.
• Document the car’s condition: Take photos to document the vehicle’s condition before shipping. This can be useful in case of damage.

4.Prior ship a car  Check U.K. Import Regulations

The U.K. has specific rules regarding the import of vehicles. You’ll need to:

• Pay customs duties and VAT: The U.K. charges VAT (Value Added Tax) on imports, typically 20% of the vehicle’s value. If the vehicle is new or within six months of first registration, VAT is applied. Duties may also be applicable.
• Vehicle Inspection and Registration: The vehicle must undergo a Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) test to ensure it meets U.K. safety and environmental standards. This might involve modifications to the vehicle.
• Pay any road tax: Once the car is registered, you’ll need to pay road tax.
• Vehicle Insurance: Make sure the vehicle is insured for shipping and for driving in the U.K. once it arrives.

5. To ship a car you must have a very good shipping and Customs Process

• Book the Shipment: Choose the shipping company and finalize all details, including the pickup location, destination port (likely Port of Felixstowe or Port of Southampton), and shipping dates.
• Receive Shipping Documents: The shipping company will provide necessary documents such as the bill of lading and export declaration.
• Customs Clearance: Once the vehicle arrives in the U.K., it will go through customs. You will need to provide documentation such as:
  • Proof of ownership
  • Payment of customs duties and VAT
  • Vehicle registration and insurance details

6. Pickup and Registration

After the vehicle clears customs, you can arrange to pick it up at the port or have it delivered to your location in the U.K. You’ll also need to:

• Register the vehicle with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
• Obtain a U.K. license plate and road tax.

Cost Estimate:

The cost of shipping a vehicle from the U.S. to the U.K. varies depending on:

• Shipping method: RoRo shipping is cheaper than container shipping.
• Vehicle size and weight: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship.
• Shipping company and route: Prices can vary between companies and ports.
• Insurance and additional services: These can add extra costs.

As a rough estimate, RoRo shipping can cost around $1,000 to $2,000, while container shipping can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.

By choosing a reliable shipping company and following all regulations, shipping a vehicle from the U.S. to the U.K. can be a smooth process and as @Transglobal Logistics is an expert in Vehicle of all types please choose us !

Trans Global Logistics Uk Limited , International Shipping & Logistics Company with 30 years of experience, will be able to offers several services for your Vehicle Transport / Customs Clearance / Import and UK Vehicle Registration to confidently support your shipment in either Import or Export for any type of equipment.

Contact us at Trans Global Logistics Uk Limited 

Email– bizdev@tglog.co.uk – Phone 07833 410 281 www.tglog.co.uk